Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Sampson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first started dabbling in photography while going through the business program at Cal State San Marcos. I remember feeling so burnt out and was just in desperate need of a creative outlet to help me survive my last two years of school. I took up painting, piano, guitar but photography was the creative medium that stuck and got me through the monotony of writing papers and attending classes. I photographed friends and family for free or next to nothing, as I got the experience I needed to feel ready to offer my photography service to the world.
Weeks after graduation, my best friend Amber Thrane and I started discussing joining forces to start our own company. Six months later, on July 1st, 2014, we launched Dulcet Creative- a San Diego based photography company serving both brands and brides.
Since our launch in 2014, we have had the opportunity to create unique and impactful imagery for so many incredible companies and couples. In a search for a creative outlet, I stumbled into a career that I love more than I could have ever imagined and I would not change a single thing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like all small business owners, Amber and I have faced our fair share of obstacles and struggles. In the beginning, we wrestled with things like defining our niche, figuring out how to stand out in a saturated market and knowing our worth. As we scale and grow our business today, we’re faced with new obstacles like learning how to delegate and make the most of our limited time (we now have four kids between the two of us so time is of the essence).
My advice for any young woman just starting out is simple. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Looking back on this journey, there were so many times that my pride kept me from asking for help. I wanted to be original and I wanted to do everything on my own. Although your unique point of view is ultimately going to be the thing that makes you stand out, there’s no reason to try and re-invent the wheel every step of the way. When you get stuck on something, don’t waste energy troubleshooting it before you first reach out to someone who may be able to help you find a quick solution or send you resources that will guide you through the process.
One business resource I wish I would have known about from the beginning is SCORE (https://sandiego.score.org). This is an incredible resource for small business owners with workshops, classes, networking opportunities and a free business mentorship program with seasoned professionals available to answer any questions you may have.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dulcet Creative – what should we know?
Dulcet Creative is a photography company that creates impactful imagery for brands and brides. The word Dulcet means “pleasant or agreeable to the eye or the feelings”; capturing the essence of what sets us apart to our clients. It’s all about the way we make people look and feel. With a beautiful aesthetic and unique client process that we call “The Dulcet Experience”; we get the chance to make our clients LOOK incredible by creating stunning imagery and FEEL amazing by building relationships with them that last.
Our work feels like so much more than work to us. It is our passion, our heart, and our lifelong dream.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Generally speaking, a few barriers to female leadership I see today would be that women are held to a higher standard than men, family responsibilities leave us way less time and energy to focus on our businesses than men and women are less likely to ask for what they deserve.
When we first launched Dulcet, I would also add to the list that women are not supporting women within our industry but I see that changing and I am so glad. Organizations such as the Rising Tide are pushing for the community over competition and movements like #leanintogether are helping women achieve their ambitions and work to create an equal world.
Pricing:
- Bridal packages starting at $3000.
- Brand packages starting at $250/hr.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dulcetcreative.com
- Phone: (760)702-2620
- Email: kayla@dulcetcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dulcetcreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulcetcreative/
Image Credit:
Dulcet Creative
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